Is that not the most beautiful looking casserole you've ever seen?
This will be our new Christmas casserole that I stole from Jenny Collier (which by the way, is a blog you should check out), and she stole it from Joy's Hope. I just can't think of one single thing that would make it better.

{four}Jesus' Birthday"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16

As a Christian, this day really is so amazing.
Our Savior was born, fulfilling many Old Testament prophecies each step of the way. There is so much history that precedes that coming of Christ, it really is incredible, and masterfully planned.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Does everyone have their Christmas loot? I am hoping to wrap up my Christmas shopping this week while Coop is in preschool. It's a race against the clock, really. I only just ordered my Merry Christmas Happy New Years cards. That's the kind of year I'm having over here. A "can't-seem-to-catch-up," "always-a-bit-behind" kind-of year.

So in the spirit of procrastination, I've been dreaming of kitchens.

Now I adore my kitchen, it's one of my favorite parts of this little bungalow.

But it is my dream to build our own kitchen one day. (A girl can dream, no?)
A couple of our good friends just did it, and it is absolutely gorgeous! I love the idea of being able to set the tone for our house.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Can you believe after today I will have blogged four times in one week? Shut the door.

Linking up with the girls again this week for Five-on-Friday! Here's what I'm loving this week:

{one}

Blake Lively

You may have seen me share this picture on Twitter this week (PS I love Twitter you can follow me here) . I find Blake Lively flawless nearly every time I see a photo of her, but for some reason I think she looks like perfection in this photo. The way she's styled, from makeup to dress to hair is simply lovely!

Now listen, I am no makeup connoisseur by any means but I have fallen in love with this eyeshadow. I wear the top two colors daily and when I'm going out on the town throw in the darker colors on the bottom. I love, love it!

{three}

this article.

I blogged about the article I read over at Hands Free Mama blog on Wisdom Wednesday this week, but oh my gosh it was such a good reminder to do a little self introspection and really be intentional about how I parent and treat my child.

At MOPs over the past few weeks we've been talking a lot about our personal story (and spending time getting to know what that is ) and how that affects, well really every aspect of our lives. How we think, behave, interact and in this phase of my life parent a child. You know when you feel like you're hearing things over and over again for a reason? One of these times.

I've been really wanting a bib "statement" necklace for awhile now. We have a holiday party this weekend and I settled on a plain black dress. I wanted to jazz up the look a bit, so I grabbed this beauty at Anthropologie this week. It's super fun and will be a go-to when I want to dress up an outfit.

{five}

Friends.

As a Denver transplant I feel so lucky to have friends here that I just adore.

We've been here in Denver now almost three years and it truly feels like home.

This week is one of those weeks when I get to see most of our good friends; with Christmas parties, girl dinners and birthday parties and I just feel so fortunate that we've been able to form such close friendships!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Today I'm excited to be linking up with one of my favorite blogs, A Thoughtful Place. Check it out- you will seriously swoon over Courtney's beautiful home and decorative style.

This time of year my house feels so magical. I wish I could capture it the way it feels but no camera (or let's be honest, my camera skills) are quite good enough!

Our charming home is coming up on its Centennial - it turns 100 years old next year! Decorating small spaces can be a challenge, but so cozy. Here's a peak into our living space:

A peak at the tree through our window:

We got this beautiful wood piece built out of wine barrels years ago, and I never know how to style it. This year I threw some berry vines and cinnamon pine cones on it and I love how simple (and sweet smelling) it turned out.